Going Wireless: 5 Great Solutions for Cutting the Cord

There are many reasons to embrace the wonderful wireless technologies available to modern live sound production, from the freedom to move around the stage to the ability to significantly drop stage volume. In many ways, it’s easier than ever to go wireless, and this brief overview of the gear involved may help take your rig to where you want it to be.
Wireless Microphone Systems
In most cases, even larger bands only need one or two wireless mics for vocalists who want to move around freely onstage. That number is likely to go up for conference/presenter systems, but unless you’re dealing with an intensely complex sound reinforcement system, you’re probably not going to exceed a few channels. Having a few extra channels for expansion, however, is never a bad idea. You can get a full overview of wireless mic systems in Sweetwater’s Wireless Microphone Buying Guide, but here are some of the highlights.

Go for the Complete System

In the past, going wireless with your mics often meant pairing specific mics and other transmitters with compatible receivers. Between balancing frequency bands and other considerations, setting up even a simple wireless mic system could be a chore. Today, however, it’s easy to get a complete package that’s part of a series, such as Shure’s BLX24R wireless mic line or Sennheiser’s EW 100 G4-835-S handheld system, which include the mic, transmitter, and receiver you need. Then it’s just a matter of deciding which particular mic you want. And headworn wireless systems such as the Audio-Technica ATW-1101 offer freedom of movement for your singer or lecturer.
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Welcome to the Digital Age

When it comes to clear sound free of the dynamics issues that plague traditional UHF analog wireless systems, you just can’t beat digital wireless. In fact, the discussion about which is better, analog or digital wireless, is virtually moot today, as digital systems have become increasingly popular and less expensive. Options such as Shure’s GLXD wireless line deliver complete wireless mic and guitar systems for half the cost of a decent UHF wireless bodypack a decade ago. And if mission-critical audio is your need, there’s not a more bulletproof wireless system than Shure’s Axient Digital line. It’s nice to know that professional clarity and reliability are within reach at budget prices. Explore all the options with your Sweetwater Sales Engineer.

More Than Microphones

Don’t forget about your guitarists! There are plenty of great ways for guitar players to cut the cord and explore the stage, thanks to affordable guitar wireless systems. For instance, Line 6’s popular Relay G10S Digital Wireless Guitar System keeps all the wireless components onstage, so you get the full benefit of digital wireless and your pedalboard. Check out all our great guitar wireless systems at Sweetwater.com!
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Wireless In-ear Monitors

Wireless in-ear monitors deliver all the great mobility benefits of wireless microphones and let you take stage volume down to a minimum, improving your overall sound quality. Shure’s P3TRA215CL line or wireless in-ear monitors have everything you need — transmitter, receiver, even a pair of SE215 earphones. Sweetwater’s Don Carr did an amazing job explaining the pros of IEMs and more in his Creating a Silent Stage article.
Setting up wireless in-ears is just as easy as putting together a wireless mic rig. A single wireless transmitter can distribute a single monitor mix to multiple bodypack receivers, allowing you to expand your monitoring system effortlessly. Add a great pair of IEMs to your system, such as a set of custom Westones, and you’ll be able to hear yourself onstage like never before.
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If you want to cut the cord and have questions about wireless mics or in-ear monitors, give us a call at (800) 222-4700. We have knowledgeable Sales Engineers ready to help you.
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